Running by the Seat of My Pants

I really don't like being told what to do.

Because of that I have never really followed a formal training program. I had a great 12 week half marathon program that simply was a program to finish. I loosely followed the program last fall and winter in preparation for Disney 2006. It served it's purpose. I finished.

Since last January I have consistantly included some sort of long run most weekends as a part of my training. Sometimes on Saturday, sometimes on Sunday - whenever I could fit it in and was in the mood. These runs were productive and allowed me to make last minute descisions about races. Depending on what was on the weekend schedule - There wasn't really any local race I wasn't confident I could run in.

My first half marathon this season was an eleven minute improvement over my previous PR, and I bettered that by four minutes, two races later. Without any improvement since the middle of December, I have been less than pleased with my times. I don't want to continue to be average.

I started this year with some goals in mind, but nothing solid. Small goals. like keeping a training log. The goal that weighed heavy on my mind was Sarasota in under two hours. With 31 days to go, I still have a lot of work ahead of me.

After seeing Marathon Chris' goal to run 1,000 miles in 2007 I was thinking that sounded like a good idea. Then I thought I could runn 100 miles a month - 1,200 miles this year. I was 22 miles short of my 11th hour goal. Partly becuase I missed a long run this weekend in exchange for a 5k PR and partly because I simply slept in too many days.

February brings a new month - a better thought out plan, a new chance to hit 100 miles and a chance to get Sarasota done in under 2!

Lady Track Shack 5k

I invited a bunch of my friends and co-workers to join me at the Lady Track Shack 5k. I have heard it's the largest Ladies Only 5k in the Southeast. If it's not anymore, it used to be...

I offered to pick up race packets for everyone - I was trying to make it as easy as possible for people to join me. Because I always wear a bandana when I run, I decided to add bandanas to the race packets for my entire crew. I got some pink camo bandanas for everyone. It turned out to be really helpful in locating one another.

Susan, Val, Kelly, Kristi, Dawn and I met up at the entrance to Mead Gardens around 7:00AM. We chatted for a bit and headed to the start line. We probably waited too long to get there - we were pretty far back. I always longed for a running buddy at the starting line. I am usually there by myself without anyone to talk to and it seems that those around me are caught up in their own conversations. Today, I had buddies!

As soon as the gun sounded we seperated. I was trying to get past the walkers and the runners who were three or four wide (Why do people do that?). I spent the first quarter mile or so running on the grass to get where I wanted to be and out of the cluster.

At the first mile the timing clock said 9:10. I looked at my watch (for the only time during the race) It said 8:27 - It had taken me 43 seconds to cross the starting line.

My biggest concern about the race had been the "killer hill". that runs along the Winter Park Ninth Grade Center. I have never been a big fan... However after Clermont in November and last week in Clearwater, as I ran the hill this morning, I was thinking "This is it? This is what I was worried about? This is nothing!" I sailed up it.

At mile Two it began to rain. Just a litle sprinkle - It lasted for just a few minutes and it was absolutely refreshing!

The brick roads were a little slippery and I watched my footing so I was sure I didn't take a "digger" as Kelly calls them.

I made my way to finish line with a new PR.

My Offical Time: 28:09

My Chip Time: 27:26

w00t!

Treadmill Training

Some runners may think it's just not right to do the majority of one's running on a treadmill. According to the December 2006 issue of Runner's World Magazine in the American Runner 2006 Survey, only 5% of runners run primarily on a treadmill.

There are several reasons I train on my treadmill.

My knees are much happier when they aren't being pounded on the asphalt or concrete

I live in a neighborhood without street lights or sidewalks and once upon a time I was sure I was going to be kidnapped - it turned out to be the newspaper man...

I live on Lake Harris. Lake Harris is nearly 14,000 acres with an estimated 3,500 aligators living there, in my front yard!

When we moved to Tavares, it was aligator mating season. When I went outside early in the morning, I could hear the gators craoking in search of some love. It scared me just a little.

Last September Darrell was cleaning some of the weeds along the shoreline and decided to take a break. As he sat on the dock he realized that just two feet away from where he was working, a gator was laying in wait.

We called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Nuisance Alligator Hotline (it really exists) and a state certified trapper was dispacthed to take the bad boy away.

I feel much safer in my controlled environment. But this morning, there was a new wrinkle in my training plan. after .65 miles a groggy five year old appeared before me and she was not happy. "You woke me up!" she said, scowling.

What could I do? It was just after 5:30 AM - way too early for her to be awake. I had no other choice than to stop and put her back to bed. Darrell has mentioned that I have been waking him up as well.

Could it be the increased speed that is making more noise? We all know it can't be the incline.

I am going to try again tomorrow morning. I hope they can sleep through it. If not, then what? Yikes!

That's No Ordinary Bridge...

Sunday morning started out a bit chilly. I debated over what I should wear. I had my pants with me and thought I would go that route, but I changed my mind at the last second and decided to wear shorts, a short sleeve tech shirt, a long sleve tech shirt and a throw away long sleeve thermal shirt.

It was 57 degrees when I left New Port Richey at 6:00 AM. I headed south on US 19. I was glad we headed down on Saturday to get my race packet for a few reasons.

#1 I had no idea where I was going

#2 Clearwater is a little further South than I thought

#3 The line to get packets on Sunday morning was INSANE!

When I got there I streched a little and put those two long sleevers back in the car. I knew I wasn't going to need them. I was a little chilly until the race got underway, but I toughed it out.

The first half mile was smooth sailing and then we hit the bridge, Memorial Causeway. It was slow going up. I was suprised to see that at the one mile my pace was just over 9 minutes.

No worries! The course took us along the Gulf and through the touristy area of Clearwater Beach and then over the second bridge on the route, Sand Key Bridge. We then weaved our way through Sand Key Park. And then back out to the street and along Condo Road. We made the turn to head back at about the 7.5 mile mark.

At mile 9 it was back over bridge number two. I was starting to slow down. I was moving along , refusing to stop...

I was feeling pretty strong through the touristy area, past Captain Memo's Pirate Ship. and back onto the road that would ultimately lead back to the Memorial Causeway

Then I was hit by the wind. I felt like I was running in place. To say it was windy would be an understatement. I got to the Causeway, it was mile 12. So close, but I still had that major climb.

I made it! Sailed down and cruised into the finish line. The race collatoral did not lie. This was not a PR race. My final time: 2:18:06 - Three seconds behind my OUC time, and my poorest performance of the season.

I knew it was going to be hard. I still wanted better.

My plan now is to work on my hills, work on my distance and blow Sarasota out of the water!

Calling All Runners - What's on Your Playlist?

I listen to music when I run. I have read arguements both for and against being tuned in while running. My thought is whatever works for you. Last year I purposefully ran Disney without my MP3 player so I could soak up every magical moment. This year, I had my MP3 player. Between the music and my increased training I took 41 minutes off of my time.

There are four days until the Clearwater Halfathon. Three days before I leave for the West Coast of Florida. I began thinking today that maybe some new music would help move me along. But what?

I currently have a heavy supply of Barenaked Ladies and that keeps me happy, I have some Everclear, some Beastie Boys thrown in for good measure. There is some miscellaneous music thrown in to mix it up, but it's starting to get old. I need some help!

I'm looking for something new. What gets you going and helps you keep your pace? I would love to know...

What's on your playlist?

Your Blog is About What?

My sister, Patty Fabulous, and I started writing our blogs at about the same time. It wasn't a group project, more like, "Hey, I was thinking about starting a blog."

"That sounds like a good idea, maybe I will too."

The other day, I commented to the fabulous Ms. Fabulous that her post about banks vs. credit unions was really funny. It had successful elements of a great viral video, becuase even those out of the industry could see the humor - I even passed it on to some of my friends.

She said "Thanks."

"Do you ever read my blog?" I asked her.

"Not really. Well, sometimes. There's a lot of running stuff."

I could see her wrinkling her nose at me from 1,800 mile away.

While it was never my intention to blog about running, I do. Because that's what I do.

Without either of them knowing, my little blog is a gift to Darrell and the Fabulousness herself. I have an opportunity to lay out my random thoughts about my runs. My fear and nervousness about my races. My goals and all of the little things that come up along the way. I'm sure without this release I would be insufferable...

With just five days to go until Clearwater, and my lack of hill training, there's been a lot on my mind.

Regardless of that, I'm going to have a great time!

Geico Commericals Make Me Smile

I don't have Geico Insurance. They can't save me money. I called for a quote years ago and they were super expensive. I have State Farm Insurance - and I have since I was 16. I have a policy that can't ever be cancelled becuase I'm loyal and it's a good deal for something you have to have..

Geico's little gecko bugs the crap out of me. That in itself would be enough to keep me away. But a few of the other attempts that Geico has made in the advertising arena make me laugh.



I love Little Richard's howl after he says "Cranberry Sauce". It makes me laugh every time I see it.

Even more funny is the travelling caveman.

I can't decide if it's the catchy tune, Remind Me, by Royksopp or if it's the look on the caveman's face like he just can't believe it! It's just so funny.

I'm sure the Geico would love it if I jumped over to their brand. That won't ever happen, but I do appreciate their attempts to get me to do it.

What's a Girl to Do?

Running takes a toll on your feet. I have some great shoes, thanks to the fine folks at the Track Shack I don't generally have a problem with my hip anymore - Bye bye Adidas... Once upon a time a pair of New Balance I had made my toe hurt incredibly bad, I couldn't take it any more.

Under average circumstances, running a few miles here and there wouldn't make that big of a difference but I am currently providing my feet with what some may consider tourture. My feet don't hurt me. The problem is, my toenails are black, blue and in some cases missing.

For most, it may not be an issue. And I can work around it. Luckily I have a shade of polish that is remarkably close to the color of Barbie Band Aids. The Band Aid goes mostly unnoticed. Whew... It saves from having to answer what really happens to runner's feet.

But why would anyone see my feet in January? Just like most of the country, Florida has been experincing some crazy warm weather. Pair that with the fact that I work in a super casual office - my boss wears shorts two or three times a week... While I choose not to wear shorts, I am a fan of slip-on sandals and jeans. The shoes here are just an example, not a pair I own, or would even wear. But you get the idea...

I am a smart woman. However, sometimes, the obvious goes right past me. One morning last week while I was putting on the daily pink band-aid, Darrell said, "Why don't you just wrap your toes before you run?"

Good question. Why don't I? This morning I had a long run planned and I decided to give it a try. After the eleven miles I put in I felt pretty good. The toes on my right foot are a little sore, but they have been and those toe nails may forever be band-aided. I am happy to report that my left foot is feeling fine. I am going to continue wrapping my toes for my long runs. I hope it works. I would save a ton on band aids. And, maybe my toe nails would grow back so I can get a decent pedicure.

Clearwater is Right Around The Corner

On the tail of Disney, I'm getting ready for the 2nd Annual Clearwater Halfathon
I'm not expecting a PR at this one, but it sure would be nice. I've been trying to decide if I should be concerned about four passes over the 74 foot bridges. I assume that the bridges in Clearwater are similar to the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota. Last year that one didn't pose a huge problem. However, two bridges might be a different story.

The website says that the rest of the course is super flat, so who knows...

I'm planning on a long run this weekend. I don't want to commit to anything crazy, but based on the way I felt around mile eleven on Saturday, I want to stay on top of it and try to maintain a constant speed. I started slowing down and my time at Disney was bittersweet.

I had been considering Gasparilla in February, but now I think I might just push myself and train harder than ever to see if I can break two hours in at the Sarasota Half Marathon.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.

2007 Disney Half Marathon - 2:13:38

I decided to pick up my bib and race packet on Thursday night. I headed out to the Wide World of Sports directly after work. Last year, we waited for 45 minutes just to get inside the Milk House on Friday evening. I was sure it would be the same way this year. I had an opportunity to cruise through the expo. I felt bad for the guy selling the Tyvek suits. Last year in anticipation of the 26 degree start, he was busy. He was selling like crazy. This year, with the low forecasted at 63 degrees, no one gave him a second look. I did buy a sticker from the lovely ladies at One More Mile. I knew Saucony was going to be there. I was hoping they would be offering the same red shoe laces they were selling in New York to help end childhood obesity as a part of their Run for Good Campaign. The laces were not available at this event. Boo!

Friday, we headed to the Pop Century Resort to check in for the evening. There was a line here - about 30 minutes, at least we didn't have to get my packet too!

We discussed going to one of the parks for a little while, but I didn't think I would have enough time. We ate dinner at the hotel and took the kids to the arcade. at 8:30 I headed back to the room and Darrell took the kids to EPCOT. One of the benefits I didn't realize would be useful when making my reservation in July are the Extra Magic Hours. A pre-determined park remains open late for resort guests. I was able to get some rest and the kids felt like we weren't just there for the race.

I was up at 2:50 AM on Saturday. I had no idea how crowded the buses would be or how long it would take to board. I didn't want to leave anything to chance. I boarded the bus at 3:20 AM. I was surprised that I was able to walk right on the bus and it wasn't even full. Don't get me wrong, it's not like there wasn't anyone there. There were a total of 12,282 finishers. It was crowded!

I was excited that based on my time at the Gulf Beaches Halfathon, I was moved to Wave A-2. I wasn't sure what that would mean, other than I would be closer to starting line. Last year it took me eight and half minutes to cross it. This year, I was across in a minute. The faster I am becoming the longer I stay in the pack. It seems like it takes a lot longer to break free, or be left behind.

It was amazing to feel how my dedication to training over the past year made an improvement. Last year the sun had risen by the time I was in front of the Contemporary Resort. This year, I was through the Magic Kingdom before the sun was up.

I signed up ahead of time to get text messages and emails for my 10k time (58:50), 15k time (1:31:50) My 15k time was four minutes faster than my Minnie Marathon time back in May. It was great to get back to the room and see how my times were. I really didn't want to wait until Saturday evening when we got home.

After mile ten I felt myself starting to slow a bit more. I realize now that to get in under two hours I'm going to have make my long runs 15 - 20 miles. The ten mile runs can get me through, just not as fast as I would like.

I have a few weeks until the Clearwater Halfathon I need to focus on my hills and my distance.

I decided I will most likely never get a new PR at Disney. There are too many people and I spent the first few miles trying to negotiate where I felt comfortable with my pace. I spent another bit of time dodging elbows. I'm 5'2 and with many tall guys what, 6'4? pumping their arms, I narrowly missed elbows in the eye no less than six times. Dispite this, Disney is still my favorite race. It's exciting to be a part of such a magnificent, magical event. I can't wait until next year!